The November unemployment rates have been released, and as some expected, the number of jobless Floridians has increased.

The state agency for workforce innovation announced Florida’s unemployment rate hit 7.3%, the highest it's been since June 1993.

As News Channel 7's Alex Denis tells, some panhandle business owners have taken it upon themselves to help employees keep their jobs with an initiative called "take a break".

For the past year, Walton County has consistently led the state in the lowest unemployment rate.

November's workforce development report shows the county's rate has increased, but is still one of the lowest in Florida.

Business leaders credit the low numbers to several factors.

A smaller population, diverse job opportunities, and the biggest-the creativity of their workforce.

Walton Co. Chamber President, Dawn Moliterno said, "One of the things we've seen is something called take a break which is a voluntary unpaid time off period. This allows for businesses and employees to share in cutting back those expenses and then not having to reduce staff."

The new plan seems to work even though unemployment numbers are on the rise.

"Seasonal businesses like the hospitality industry experienced a tough off-season. But managers at the Sandestin Hilton say they weren't forced to lay off anyone because employees took advantage of the "take a break" initiative."

Hilton General Manager, Mike Chouri told News Channel Seven, "They are doing it with pleasure. They are saying I'd rather do this then lose my job or having my friend lose their job."

Walton county business owners think the week-long unpaid vacation plan has the potential to help our hurting economy.

Walton county saw a nearly 2% increase from May’s 3.3% unemployment rate to November’s 5% rate.

Okaloosa's numbers were up from 3.8% to 5.4%. And bay county saw a nearly 3% rise from 4.5% to 7.4%. Many feel retaining employees will restore the real-estate market and in turn calm an unpredictable economy.

But there's a catch.

"The whole economy is all connected and if we all do a little bit of our task just to save something it might help it. But we all have to think the same way."

The "take a break" program started in October. Since then, businesses across the panhandle have adopted the plan.